On September 24th my daddy left this world for the one he had been living for his entire life. It still seems only a dream but with each passing day I realize more and more that's it's not. Daddy left behind the sickness and pain his body had felt for so many years. He and mom would have celebrated 55 years of marriage October 16.
My daddy taught me many things throughout my life but one thing that lingers and I will always cherish ... my daddy loved me. This was the last photo I took of him at a birthday party over the summer.
Someone shared this poem with me and it has encouraged my heart.
I'VE FOUND A NEW PLACE
I've found a new place where I can be free;
I've found a whole new beginning made just for me.
I know only peace and never feel pain;
Days are full of sunshine and never the rain.
I'm no longer sick; I recovered my youth.
And all my dreams have become my truth.
I can smile, I can laugh, I can walk, I can run;
I can hear every whisper and I can see past the sun.
My body is whole and my mind is clear;
I know all the answers and I'm free from all fear.
I know why you mourn me, I can see how you weep;
Your heart is full of aching from a love that was so deep.
I'm so grateful for loved ones that hold me so dear;
But, remember, I've found a much better place here.
I will be there beside you, always nearby;
So don't mourn me for long, or forever cry.
And whenever your sorrow bears down on your heart,
Think not of my ending, but my new start.
For on earth there's no joy that I'd ever see,
To compare to the joy of God smiling at me.
~Author Unknown~